Subarus have sported standard AWD since the 80s, well before most other automakers even bothered with the technology. That, partnered with its boxer engine, goes together like peanut butter and jelly. But the Japanese automaker has to begin worrying about fuel efficiency and emissions, so the two features that have defined the brand for decades may become optional on future models. Thankfully, it's got Toyota to pilfer from, so the implementation of new drivetrains will be a bit easier if and when it makes the shift. Subaru of Australia Director Nick Senior broke the news of the possible switch, but he also emphasized that any changes wouldn't be made before 2010 and that no product plans are without AWD or the boxer engine in the foreseeable future.
...he also emphasized that any changes wouldn't be made before 2010 and that no product plans are without AWD or the boxer engine in the foreseeable future.
by 2011 it's anybodies guess how ugly Subarus will be, might as well ditch the boxer engine and AWD while they're at it.
ElZorro wrote:I can understand why they'd want to do it, gotta keep up with the hybrids.
It could be a marketing ploy. They could divide the Suby's up like Audi. FWD for the entry market, but costs arm+leg for the Quattros. But that is not what makes a Subaru, a Subaru dammit!
If its all about fuel mileage, there are other ways to go about that. You can get 25+/30+ in a midsized AWD turbo. Granted it happened by accident, but the Zippper is running lean and clean. Apply the same methodology to the same car on the production line, and you've saved thousands of drivers hundreds/year each in fuel costs.
It will be a very sad day when Subaru doesn't make a Subaru anymore....
Sabre (Julian) 92.5% Stock 04 STI
Good choice putting $4,000 rims on your 1990 Honda Civic. That's like Betty White going out and getting her tits done.
Toyota Exec #1: "Now that we are number one we need to start acting like it.
Toyota Exec #2: "We can allow our build quality to slip. Who cares about a reputation for quality? We're number one! People will love what we tell them to buy."
Toyota Exec #1: "And we own controlling shares in small non-threatening competitors. Lets run them into the ground. "
Toyota Exec #2: "Brilliant! Why hasn't anyone thought of this before? "
Toyota Exec #1: "Now that we are number one we need to start acting like it.
Toyota Exec #2: "We can allow our build quality to slip. Who cares about a reputation for quality? We're number one! People will love what we tell them to buy."
Toyota Exec #1: "And we own controlling shares in small non-threatening competitors. Lets run them into the ground. "
Toyota Exec #2: "Brilliant! Why hasn't anyone thought of this before? "
